Kaiama Stakeholders Tackle Senator Sadiq Umar Over Alleged Third-Term Bid

Prominent stakeholders in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara North have openly criticised Senator Sadiq Umar over an alleged move to seek a third term in office, warning that it could upset the district’s long-standing zoning arrangement.

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The stakeholders, under the aegis of “Concerned Kaiama Stakeholders,” accused the lawmaker of pursuing personal ambition at the expense of a gentleman’s agreement that has guided political succession in the senatorial district.

According to the group, the arrangement allows each local government area within Kwara North to occupy the Senate seat for a maximum of two terms before power rotates to another bloc, particularly to the Nupe-speaking axis.

They alleged that Senator Umar had obtained expression of interest and nomination forms to contest again, despite the expectation that the seat should now shift in line with the zoning understanding.

In a strongly worded statement, the group warned that any attempt to override the arrangement could destabilise the fragile political balance in the region.

“The district has, over the years, sustained harmony through a mutually respected rotational agreement that promotes equity and inclusion,” the statement read. “Any deviation from this understanding threatens the unity we have carefully built.”

The stakeholders further argued that the senator himself benefitted from the same zoning principle that brought him to office, referencing his publication, “How I Became a Senator in 30 Days.”

They described the alleged third-term ambition as a “serious breach of trust,” raising concerns about leadership integrity and respect for collective decisions.

“If there were plans to review this arrangement, it ought to have involved extensive consultations with elders and stakeholders across Kwara North,” the group said. “Unilateral actions only weaken the political structure and erode confidence.”

The group warned that abandoning the zoning formula could damage Kaiama’s political credibility, deepen divisions among constituent local governments, and undermine trust within the district.

They called on political leaders, traditional rulers, and community influencers in Kaiama to speak out and defend the existing framework.

“Silence in the face of this development could be interpreted as complicity,” the statement added.

The stakeholders urged Senator Umar to “retrace his steps” and align with the collective interest of Kaiama and Kwara North.

As of the time of filing this report, Senator Umar had not publicly responded to the allegations.